Job Title: Speech & Language Therapy Assistant- ENT (Part-time role)
Reference No: 09.023 (2024)
Department / Directorate: Speech & Language Therapy Department, COO Directorate
Reports to: Manager of Speech & Language Therapy or Deputy
Tallaght University Hospital (TUH) is one of Ireland’s largest acute teaching hospitals, adult, psychiatric and age-related healthcare on one site. The Hospital has 450 adult beds with over 3,500 people on staff and more than 60 different nationalities represented. The Hospital is a provider of local, regional and national specialties. It is a designated trauma unit incorporating the National Pelvic and Acetabular Unit, a regional Urology Centre and the second largest provider of renal dialysis services in the country.

One of the two main academic teaching hospitals of Trinity College Dublin - TUH specialise in the training and professional development of staff in areas such as Medicine, Nursing, Health and Social Care Professionals, Emergency Medicine and Surgery, amongst many others. TUH is part of the Dublin Midlands Hospital Group which serves a population of over 1.2 million across seven counties.

The Hospital is an exciting and dynamic place to work, in the midst of implementing a new hospital strategy, the team have already delivered on the opening of a new Renal Dialysis unit, Reeves Day Surgery Centre, a step down facility in the community, a new ICU and the development of a supraregional Endometriosis Service. It is an exciting time to join the TUH team and one of Ireland’s main teaching hospitals with so many plans to enhance patient care. The Hospital believes in investing in their team and offers excellent education and research opportunities.
TUH Vision and Values
The vision of the Hospital is “People Caring for People to Live Better Lives” through excellent health outcomes supported by evidenced based practice, positive patient and staff experience in an empowering and caring environment. A culture of innovation and quality improvement in everything we do.
Our TUH CARE values – for patients, their families, our community and staff are:

• Collaborate – together and with our academic and care partners
• Achieve – our goals, positive outcomes and wellbeing
• Respect – for patients, each other and our environment
• Equity – for patients and staff

At TUH we view our staff as our most valuable asset and every member of the Team is valued equally. We recognise that a skilled, satisfied and motivated workforce is a prerequisite to high quality care.

A full overview of TUH is available on www.tuh.ie/about us
Purpose of the role:
The role includes clinical and administrative duties that support Speech and Language Therapists in providing a high-quality service to users.

Overview of role:
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Clinical:

• Manage own caseload in accordance with the needs of the post.
• Carry out and follow protocol for the decontamination of Speech & Language Therapy reusable invasive medical devices (e.g. nasendoscopy scopes) when required.
• Carry out duties related to the preparation and organization of Speech & Language Therapy assessments and therapy sessions.
• Gather clinical information from patients as directed by the Speech & Language Therapist including patient questionnaires, outcome measures etc.
• Carry out duties related to the planning, organisation and maintenance of Speech and Language Therapy programmes as directed by the Speech and Language Therapist.
• Collaborate with service users, family, carers and other staff in treatment / intervention planning and in the provision of support and advice.
• Follow treatment plans as determined and delegated by a Speech and Language Therapist including assisting in the provision of education and advice to service users.
• Assist SLT with swallow assessments or provide feeding assistance where required- this may require re-positioning patients on chair/ in bed with another staff member.
• Assist SLT and/ or carry out appropriate duties with in-patients for assessment/ therapy as required.
• Carry out generic programmes and groups for service users to the specifications agreed with the Speech and Language Therapist Supervisor and treating Speech and Language Therapists.
• Liaise with other staff and agencies in the provision of therapeutic programmes as directed by Speech and Language Therapist Supervisor.
• Prepare resources for assessment / intervention for clinic appointments, home programmes and group interventions.
• Prepare the environment for group or 1:1 interventions according to service user needs and therapeutic goals, as directed by the Speech and Language Therapist.
• Work directly with service users under the direction of a Speech and Language Therapist.
• Observe the general performance, behavior and ability of individuals during therapeutic interventions.
• Record intervention observations and outcomes as appropriate and report outcomes to the Speech and Language Therapist.
• Maintain accurate records of service user assessments and interventions. Maintain clinical notes relating to clinical work in service user files in accordance with local service protocols.
• Maintain professional standards in relation to consent, confidentiality, ethics and legislation.

Administrative:

• Carry out the administrative and clerical duties required to support the Speech and Language Therapy staff and the Speech and Language Therapy department e.g. the scheduling of appointments.
• Assist in the organisation, maintenance and / or ordering of equipment and materials used in assessment and treatment, in conjunction with the Speech and Language Therapists.
• Develop assessment and therapy resources and materials under the direction of the Speech and Language Therapist.
• Comply with department procedures with regard to recommendation and provision of all equipment / custom made devices.
• Keep up-to-date statistics, data collection and other administrative records as required within the Speech and Language Therapy department.
• Maintain / clean equipment and treatment areas, as requested.
• Contribute to the planning and development of the Speech and Language Therapy Service and participate in service improvements, in conjunction with the Speech and Language Therapists.

• Report to the Speech and Language Therapy Manager or designated Deputy.
• Be flexible and adaptable to change in duties in the department within any given day as requested by the Speech and Language Therapy Manager.

Education and Training:

• Attend induction and mandatory in-service education relevant to the role.
• Participate in the induction of new staff as directed.
• Participate in appraisal and the development of a personal development plan in conjunction with the line manager.
• Participate in team based development, education, training and learning.
• Commitment to continuous professional development including completion of relevant internal training programmes available through our Centre for Learning & Development Prospectus.

Health & Safety:

• Observe all rules relating to Health and Safety and Conduct at Work and use any equipment provided in a safe and responsible manner.
• Report any incident or potential incident which may compromise the health and safety of others and take appropriate action. Report any accidents, near misses to the person in charge and ensure completion of incident / near miss forms.
• Do not undertake any duty related to patient / service user care for which he/she is not trained.
• Have a working knowledge of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) Standards as they apply to the role for example, Standards for Healthcare, National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections, Hygiene Standards etc. and comply with associated HSE protocols for implementing and maintaining these standards as appropriate to the role.
• Support, promote and actively participate in sustainable energy, water and waste initiatives to create a more sustainable, low carbon and efficient health service.

The above Job Specification is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him/her from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office.

Qualifications & Experience required
Essential:
Have obtained at least Grade D3 in five subjects in the Leaving Certificate Examination (higher, ordinary, applied or vocational programmes) or equivalent
Or
Have passed an examination at the appropriate level within the QQI qualifications framework which can be assessed as being of a comparable to Leaving Certificate standard or equivalent or higher i.e. FETAC Level 5
Or
Have satisfactory relevant experience, which encompasses demonstrable equivalent skills.
And
Have knowledge and experience of an acute hospital/rehabilitation environment.
And
Have fluent command and understanding of the English language to include spoken and written word
And
Have basic computer skills.
Desirable

• It is desirable to have a health or social care qualification (e.g. QQI Level 5 award for Speech and Language therapy or other equivalent Health care support worker course).

Reward & Recognition

• Remuneration is in accordance with the Department of Health Consolidated Salary Scales, grade code 6504.
• A panel will be formed for future full-time and part-time opportunities.
• The annual leave entitlement is 23 working days per year. The leave year runs from 1st April to the 31st of March each year.
• Normal (full time) working hours are 39 worked over 5 days, this is a 0.5 WTE post therefore 19.5 hours weekly. Your contracted hours of work are liable to change between the hours of 8 am to 8 pm over 7 days to meet the requirements for extended day services in accordance with the terms of the Framework Agreement.

Application process
Applications can be submitted ‘on-line’ at www.tuh.ie/careers by completing the application form and attaching your CV. Candidates should be aware that, when applying for a post through the 'On-Line' Application System (Candidate Manager) they will receive an automated replying acknowledging receipt of their application. Should you for any reason, not receive this automated acknowledgement, you should notify the Human Resources Department, before the closing date, otherwise your application will not be considered.
All candidates should note that, in order to maintain a timely process, the closing date and time for receipt of applications will be strictly adhered to.
Informal Enquiries to: Fiona Hill, Speech and Language Therapist Manager- in-Charge III, Department of Speech and Language Therapy, Tallaght University Hospital, Dublin 24.
Telephone (01) 4142780 or email fiona.hill@tuh.ie
Closing Date: Before close of business on: 4th October 2024
TUH Core Competencies:
Please go to www.tuh/careers for details of the core competencies

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
Age Restrictions In Relation To Applications
Age restriction shall only apply to a candidate where he/she is not classified as a new entrant
(within the meaning of the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2004).
A candidate who is not classified as a new entrant must be under 65 years of age on the first day
of the month in which the latest date for receiving completed applications for the office occurs.

Health
A candidate for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the office and be in a state of health as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

Garda Vetting
Garda vetting is sought for all employees and prospective employees of Tallaght University Hospital. Given the specialised nature of the services provided, your appointment will be subject to satisfactory Garda vetting and re-vetting in circumstances where the Hospital deems it appropriate. The Hospital will then process the necessary documentation to endeavour to obtain the satisfactory Garda clearance for you. You are obliged to disclose previous and any criminal convictions acquitted during the course of your employment. Should the Hospital obtain information from the Garda vetting unit to indicate that your Garda clearance report is not satisfactory and / or if you have supplied the Hospital with false or misleading information in relation to your Garda clearance status, the Hospital reserves the right to withdraw or terminate the contract in accordance with Tallaght University Hospital Garda vetting policy.

Point on Salary Scale
New appointees to any grade start at the minimum point of the scale. Incremental credit will be applied for recognised relevant service in Ireland and abroad (Department of Health Circular 2/2011). Incremental credit is normally granted on appointment, in respect of previous experience in the Civil Service, local authorities, health service and other public service bodies and statutory agencies.

Probation
The probationary period may be extended at the Hospital’s discretion but will not in any case exceed 9 months. Confirmation of your appointment as a permanent member of staff is subject to the successful completion of the probation period. Termination of this agreement within the probationary period shall be at the discretion of the Hospital, in accordance with the Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Act, 1973 - 2001.

Termination of Employment
The employment may be terminated at any time by one months’ notice on either side except where circumstances are dictated by the Minimum Notice and Terms of Employment Act 1973/91. The Management’s right under this paragraph shall not be exercised save in circumstances where the Management is of the opinion that the holder of the office has failed to perform satisfactorily the duties of the post or has misconducted himself/herself in relation to the post or is otherwise unfit to hold the appointment.
Sick Leave

• There is provision for sick pay at the Hospitals discretion, subject to the regulations and details found in the Staff Handbook/ Personnel Policy Manual, as per the Hospitals sick leave policy.
• In the event of absence from work, you are required to contact your Manager/Supervisor within one hour of starting time on the first day of absence, while a Medical Certificate is required for any illness lasting in excess of two days. Failure to comply with the sick leave policy may result in a loss of pay for the period of absence and may also incur disciplinary action.

Information Technology & data

• Make the most effective and efficient use of developments in information technology for both patient care and administrative support in a manner which integrates well with systems throughout the organisation.
• Collect, interpret and present data and information on the Department’s activities, staffing and expenditure, as required.

Pension Arrangements and Retirement age
There are three superannuation schemes currently in operation for staff in Tallaght University Hospital:
(a) Voluntary Hospital Superannuation Scheme (Non-New Entrant)
(b) Voluntary Hospital Superannuation Scheme (New Entrant)
(c) Single Public Service Pension Scheme
Please read carefully the summary of the criteria for the three superannuation schemes below. This will assist you in identifying which scheme membership is applicable to your employment circumstances.
(a) If you have been continually employed in the public service prior to the 1st April 2004 and you have not had a break in service of more than 26 weeks, you will be included in the Voluntary Hospital Superannuation Scheme (Non-New Entrant) with a Minimum Retirement Age of 60 and a Maximum Retirement Age of 65.
(b) If you have been continually employed in the public service post the 1st April 2004 and you have not had a break in service of more than 26 weeks, you will be included in the Voluntary Hospital Superannuation Scheme (New Entrant) with a Minimum Retirement Age of 65. There is no Maximum Retirement Age.
(c) If you have commenced employment in the public service as a new entrant or you are a former public servant, returning to the public service after a break of more than 26 weeks, you will be included in the Single Public Service Pension Scheme effective from the 1st January 2013 with a minimum retirement age of 66 (rising to 67 and 68 in line with state pension changes). The maximum retirement age under this scheme will be age 70.

Health & Safety

• All employees must comply with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005.
• Comply with relevant Health and Safety responsibilities as outlined in Hospital Polices, Protocols and Procedures relevant to your area.
• Take reasonable care to protect your own safety, health and welfare and that of any other person who may be affected by your acts or omissions at work.

Hygiene / Infection prevention and control

• All employees have responsibility for Hygiene awareness. Hygiene is defined as “The practice that serves to keep people and environments clean and prevent infection.”
• All employees also have a responsibility under their terms of employment to prevent transmission of infection and to follow the hospital infection control policies and guidelines as outlined in the Infection Control Manual.
• All employees must be aware that they work in an area where there is potential for transmission of infection.
• All employees have a responsibility to follow hand hygiene guidelines as this is the single most important intervention to prevent the transmission of infection.

Quality, safety and risk management

• Support the delivery of the Quality, Safety and Risk Management Programme, including the appropriate identification and management of risks and incidents throughout the hospital.

Data Management

• Ensure compliance with the obligations required by the Data Protection Act 2018.

Confidentiality
You will be aware of the confidential nature of Hospital work and in particular, the right of patients to confidentiality. To this end, you will not discuss workings of the Hospital or its patients or disclose any information of a confidential nature except as required to do so in the course of your work. No records, documents or property of the Hospital may be removed from the premises of the Hospitalwithout prior authorisation. You must return to the Hospital upon request and, in any event, upon the termination of your employment, all documents or other property of the Hospital which are in your possession or under your control.

Mandated and Designated Persons under Children First Act 2015
Schedule 2 of the Children First Act 2015 specifies the classes of persons defined as Mandated Persons for the purposes of the Act. This includes a range of disciplines that are employed by the hospital including all medical practitioners, registered nurses, physiotherapists, psychologists, social workers and others. This includes staff working in adult services. All mandated persons have two main legal obligations under the Children First Act 2015. Mandated persons, under the legislation are required to report any knowledge, belief or reasonable suspicion that a child has been harmed, is being harmed, or is at risk of being harmed. The Act defines harm as assault, ill-treatment, neglect or sexual abuse, and covers single and multiple instances. Mandated persons are also required to assist Tusla, if requested, in assessing a concern which has been the subject of a mandated report. Designated Officer are required to receive reports of suspected child abuse or neglect from any person who is of the opinion that (a) a child has been or is being assaulted, ill-treated, neglected or sexually abused, or (b) a child’s health, development or welfare has been or is being avoidably impaired or neglected. Full detailed list of mandated and designated staff together with details of their roles and responsibilities can be found on https://www.tusla.ie/children-first. It is the responsibility of all staff employed by TUH to be aware of their roles and responsibilities under the legislation and to complete mandatory Children First Training.